These Ikea Serving Trays Give My Pandemic Meals Some Much-Needed Variety | Eater

"Inexpensive under-$10 melamine serving trays that have become essential for creating micro-spaces in a small apartment—dinner on the couch, breakfast in bed, desk-side coffee, or a condiment station at the table. A black-and-white checkered version ($5.99) is a shiny melamine with a slight lip sized to hold a plate, cup, and utensils and even doubles as an office-essentials tray (candle, headphones, receipts, a cork, Maldon salt, pens). These trays are cheaper and less precious than wood, glass, or marble options from upscale shops, yet durable, wipe-clean, and designed so some styles (notably a non-slip option) help prevent spills. Smaller chic trays work well for coffee and snacks next to a workspace, while a tropical-patterned variant is perfect for rosé, two wine glasses, and a bowl of olives to take outside; they’re also photogenic for Instagram. Overall, they’re an affordable, practical way to add variety to meals and moments at home during the pandemic." - Abigail Koffler